The Gunnedah South School boys basketball team achieved champion status after being undefeated in last week’s Basketball NSW All Schools Tournament at the Castle Hill-based Hills Basketball Stadium.
The achievement was even more impressive considering this was the first time Gunnedah South had ever competed in this tournament, which featured students from eight to 12 years old.
The Gunnedah South players ranged from 10 to 12 years of age, and were in Division 3.
The Gunnedah South team showcased skill, determination and teamwork while opposing some of the best school teams from across the state during the two-day tournament.
Gunnedah South began the pool round strongly on the Tuesday with a 32-9 victory over Ultimo Public School, followed by a 35-16 win against Henschke Primary School.
The final game of day one put Gunnedah South’s resilience to the test, as the players were pushed to their limits before they edged out James Erskine Public School 30-28.
The following day, Gunnedah South had a confident 40-23 quarter-final win against Cooerwull Public School before the semi-final was more challenging.
Gunnedah South once again rose to the occasion, winning 27-14 against Our Lady of Rosary (Shelly Beach) to advance to the grand final which was a rematch with James Erskine Public School.
The Gunnedah South boys held nothing back, as they dominated the grand final and recorded a convincing 40-24 win.
Gunnedah South coach Sarah Swanborough said the team trained on most Sundays and also had a couple of 90-minute sessions during the week at Gunnedah Basketball Stadium.
Miss Swanborough said the key to the team’s success was a clear understanding of each player’s role and position on the court.
“Moreover, our full-court defensive pressure created numerous turnovers, resulting in easy scoring opportunities,” she said.
“Regular training sessions helped the team bond and develop strong relationships, fostering trust when setting screens, making precise passes, and defending their positions.
“Additionally, effective communication both on and off the court ensured smooth execution of plays and overall game coordination.”
Miss Swanborough said the Gunnedah South students consistently focused on driving to the basket and executing layups.
“This emphasis, reinforced during our training sessions, resulted in drawing numerous fouls and successfully converting many free throws,” she said.
Miss Swanborough said Tamworth basketball representatives Camden Many and Quade Young were standout performers, and that on multiple occasions they skilfully executed layups around defenders, drawing fouls that sent them to the free throw line where they consistently made their shots with ease.
“Beyond their keen shooting ability, both players demonstrated excellent ball-handling skills, confidently carrying the ball up the court and scoring from various positions,” Gunnedah South’s coach said.
“Although they frequently made three-point shots, these were only counted as two points in this competition.”
Miss Swanborough said the Gunnedah South boys represented their school with pride and showed that talent and hard work can lead to great achievements, regardless of being from a small town.
